World premiere: Live heatmap with parking space occupancy
One of the biggest levers in digital visitor management is the issue of parking spaces. Especially on days with “overtourism”, the hunt is on for the last free parking spaces. When the parking lots are full, there is either unnecessary parking lot search traffic with clogged streets, or cars are parked somewhere without regard for local property owners.
Now there is a way for guests to find out online and live where there is still available parking. We’ve developed a live heatmap that uses a traffic light system to show parking lot capacity at that moment. The data comes directly from digital payment systems for parking spaces. We cooperate with the largest digital systems for parking services Easypark and ParkNow for this.
How does it work?
Parking is digitized as spaces or along streets and payment is made online. On this map, you can see the current status of Easypark’s digital parking facilities.
Reliable information about the current total utilization of the parking space is generated from a volume of 20% of payment transactions via the digital system. This utilization is then displayed on a map. Based on the data, forecasts can also be made as to what the parking situation will be like at the visitor’s planned starting time in the destination area. In the future, navigation systems will also provide interactive assistance in finding parking spaces.
How does this work for the guest?
Once you’ve paid digitally with the smartphone app, you’ll never want to use anything else. It’s brilliantly simple. The Outdooractive app will display the data live and assist in the search for a free parking space. With a click, Easypark’s digital payment system opens and the right parking space is automatically selected using GPS position. After that, only the vehicle is specified and the parking duration is set. With the system, the maximum parking time can be set confidently, because the process can be terminated at any time and only the actual parking time is paid. If the time limit in the parking lot is not sufficient for the duration of the tour, additional parking tickets can be purchased on the road. Business accounts and monthly invoices are also available for frequent parkers and companies.
What are the conditions for DMOs?
It doesn’t get any cheaper than this: It costs the DMO nothing at all! There is no setup fee and no basic fee. The Easypark team digitizes all parking spaces and deposits the local tariff system. On-site, Easypark attaches stickers to the machines or installs signs indicating the possibility of digital payment. Easypark takes over the complete collection – even in case of non-payment. The DMO gets the revenue transferred on the 15th of the following month. The parking controllers get convenient access to the system, which displays the currently paid parking transactions. Easypark’s system also has interfaces with common traffic monitoring systems (e.g. WINOWIG).
The fees for the system (15%) can either be borne by the DMO or added to the price so that the user of the digital system pays for the service, which experience shows they are happy to do. Thus, the DMO is completely free of charge and risk-free. Here you can find the product presentation.